Manifolding or copying apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a manifolding or copying apparatus of the kind used in wages systems and like invoicing systems, a first carrier and a second carrier for locating first and second data sheets on which duplicate entries have to be made are interconnected by a mechanism including a parallel linkage connected to the first carrier, a spring-biassed cam engageable by the parallel linkage, a reciprocating mechanism connected to the cam, and a ratchet mechanism actuated by the reciprocating mechanism and connected to the second carrier for advancing the latter stepwise in accordance with return movement of the first carrier to an initial position. Each carrier is constrained to move along a predetermined path and has a plurality of discrete operative positions. The apparatus may include a third carrier for the location of a third data sheet in registering relation with the first and second sheets.

United States Patent [191 McKernan [54] MANIFOLDING OR COPYING APPARATUS [75] Inventor: Francis Peter McKernan, Toronto,

Ontario, Canada [73] Assignee: Kemi Corporation Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 221 Filed: 'Aug.24,1970

[21] Appl.No.: 66,535

521' u.s.c|.....- ..2s2/29n FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 461,339 11/1949 Canada ..282/29'A 67,624 4/1951 Netherlands ..28 2/29A 4 1 Jan. 23, 1973 671,905 2/1939 Germany ..282/29 A- Primary Examiner.lerome Schnall Attorney-Maybee & Legris 57] ABSTRACT In a manifolding or copying apparatus of the kind used in wages systems and like invoicing systems, a first carrier and a second carrier for locating first and second data sheets on which duplicate entries have to be made are interconnected by a mechanism including a parallel linkage connected to the first carrier, a spring-biassed cam engageable by the parallel linkage, a reciprocating mechanism connected to the cam, and a ratchet mechanism actuated by the reciprocating mechanism and connected to the second carrier for advancing the latter stepwise in accordance -with return movement of the first carrier to an initial position. Each carrier is constrained to move along a predetermined path and has a plurality of discrete operative positions. The apparatus may include a third carrier for the location of a third data sheet in registering relation with the first and second sheets.

4 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAN23 197s 3.712.643

' SHEET 1 [IF 3 l \IVEN'TOR FRANCIS PETER Mc KERNAN W mw ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJAH 23 I973 SHEET 2 OF 3 INVENTOR. FRANCIS PETER MC KERNAN ATTORNEYS MANIFOLDING R COPYING APPARATUS This invention relates to manifolding or copying apparatus of the general kind in which a plurality of sheets or cards providing particular locations for the entry of data are superimposed upon a fiat table sur face, the sheets or cards being located by respective carriers which are constrained for movement between successive registering positions such that the data entered at specified locations of one sheet or card is duplicated at corresponding locations of the other sheets or cards.

The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in connection with wages systems, wherein successive entries upon a check, pay. slip or envelope have to be made simultaneously at particular locations of a journal sheet, and usually upon an individual wages record sheet. However, it will be readily apparent thatthe apparatus may be used for a number of analogous purposes, such as invoicing systems, sales and purchase ledger accounting, stores accounts and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simplified apparatus of this general kind, including a movable carrier forlocating the check, pay slip, envelope or the like in eachof a plurality of successive, predetermined positions, and means responsive to movement of the carrier for advancing the journal sheet or the like'through successive predetermined positions in accordance with return movements of the carrier. v

A manifolding or copying apparatus according to the invention basically comprises: a base member; means providing a table surface; a first carrier for supporting and locating a first data sheet on the table surface; means connectedbetween the first carrier and the base ment of the first carrier; means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions, including an initial position, along said path of movement of the first carrier; a second carrier for supporting and locating a second data sheet on the table surface in registering relation with the first data sheet; guide means on said base member fordefining a predetermined path of movement of the second carrier; means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the second carrier along said path of movement of the second carrier; and actuating means connectedto the second carrier, said actuating means beingoperable by the first carrier to advance the second carrier stepwise between successive operative positions" in accordance with return movement of the first carrier to its initial position.

In order that the invention may, be readily understood, one embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one preferred apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG 2 is'a general perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, the figure showing a pay slip, a payroll journal'sheet, and an individual wages record sheet positioned on a table surface;

FIG. 3 is a section on line 3--3 in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4isa fragmentary .view of a detail of the movement mechanism of the apparatus.

Referring to the drawings, the apparatus comprises a base member 1,and a board member 2 providing a flat table surface 3, the board member 2 being supported by the base member 1 and spaced from it by a peripheral spacer 4 attached to the underside of the board member. The members 1 and 2 are arranged to be fastened or clamped together. I

A carrier, which provides immediate storage for a supply of appropriately perforated pay slips 5 and means to locate the particular pay slip 6 on which entries are to be made, is formed by a carriage plate 7. The carriage plate 7 has a pair of upstanding pegs 8 to locate the supply of pay slips 5, and a second pair of pegs 9 to locate the pay slip 6. The pay slip is thus supported and located on the table surface 3 and, as hereinafter described, the carriage plate is moved from left to right to locate the pay slip 6 at three successive positions relative to the table surface, and is returnable to the first position.

The carriage plate 7 is mounted on a hinge consisting of two hinge member 10, 11, the carriage plate being secured to the hinge member 10. The hinge member 11 is formed with a pair of spaced locating holes by which it is connected to a parallel linkage mechanism 12. The

' parallel linkage mechanism 12 consists of a pair of parallel links 13, 14, which are pivotally connected to the base member 1 at their ends by bushings 15, 16, and a bar 17 connecting which is pivotally connected to and. interconnects the outer ends of the links. A pair of upstanding pegs 18 on the bar 17 engage the spaced holes of the hinge member 11 to locate the latter and the carriage plate 7 connected to it.

Secured to the base member 1 is a locating plate 19 having three accurately positioned detents 20, 21, 22 which are arranged to be engaged successively,.as the carriage plate'is moved from left to right, by a springloaded ball catch located in a recess on the underside of the link 14; 'the ball catch travels on an are as the linkage mechanism 12 is moved, and by engagement with the detents defines the three successive positions of the carriage plate 7.

Also located and supported on the table surface 3 are a journal sheet 23 and a record sheet 24, each having specified locations for the entry of data, pencil carbons such as 25 being interspersed between the sheets so thatthe data entered on the pay slip.6 is automatically duplicated at the appropriate locations of the sheets23 and 24 in accordance with their being appropriately positioned on the table surface 3. The journal sheet 23 is located by 'meansof a journal sheet carrier 26 provided with a ratchet 27 at oneedge and a set of locating pegs 28 which project up through a longitudinal slot 29 in the board member 2. The journal sheet carrier 26 is constrained to move longitudinally in alignment with the'slot 29 by a-guideway. The guideway'comprises a pair of parallel bars 30, 31 secured to the base member 1, and a register plate 32 set into a slot 33 in the basemember. The register plate -32 is formed with a row of equally spaced detents 34 defining successive longitudinal positions of the carrier 26, and the latter is.provided on its undersurface with a spring-loaded ball catch 35 which is adapted to engage each of these detents. The manner of engagement of the ball catch with the detents is illustrated in the detail view of FIG. ,3.

The record sheet 24 is similarly located by means of a record sheet carrier 36 provided with a set of locating pegs 37 which project up through a slot 61 inthe board member 2. The record sheet carrier 36 is constrained to move longitudinally in alignment with the slot 61 by i a guideway; this guideway comprises a pair of parallel bars 38, 39 secured to the base member 1 on either side of a guide slot 40, in which a register plate 41 is located. The register plate is formed with a row of detents 42 defining successive longitudinal positions of the record sheet, and a spring-loaded ball catch located on the underside of the carrier 36 is adapted to engage these detents.

According to the present invention, means are provided to advance the journal sheet carrier 26 between successive positions each time the carriage plate 7 is returned to its first position. Such means, in the present embodiment, include a cam plate 43 pivotally mounted on the base member 1 by a bushing 44, the cam plate providing an operative cam edge 45 which is adapted to engage the link 13. A second plate 46 is pivotally mounted on the base member 1 by a bushing 47 and is connected to the cam plate 43 by a bar 48 so that the plates 43 and 46 are constrained to rotate in their own plane and in unison. A tension spring 49 anchored to the base member 1 and connected to the plate 46 ensures that the both plates are biassed towards their limit position as shown in FIG. 2. However, movement of the carriage plate 7 toward the left engages the link 13 with the cam edge 45 causing the cam plate 43 to rotate against the bias of spring 49 to the position shown in FIG. 4.

A pair of dogs 50, 51 are pivotally mounted on the connecting bar 48, each dog being spring-biassed to a limit position at which it projects at right angles to the bar by means of a stuff spring 52, 53. The dogs 50 and S1 engage the teeth of the ratchet 27 and, in accordance with successive movements of the cam plate between its respective limit positions, effects stepwiselongitudinal movement of the journal sheet carrier 26.

In using the apparatus, the pay slip 6, journal sheet 23 and record sheet 24 'are located upon the table surface 3 by means of their respective carriers, in the general manner illustrated in FIG. 2. The record sheet carrier is positioned by hand to a location corresponding to a particular week, or date of payment, and is usually left in that position. The journal sheet carrier is set to an appropriate starting position, the carriage plate 7 being moved towards the left to the first of its three positions. Initially, therefore, prior to making a first entry on the pay slip, the configuration of the internal operating mechanism is as shown in FIG. 4, with the cam plate 43 displaced by the link 13 from its normal limit position and the link 14 held in position by the first detent 20 (of FIG. 1).

A first entry is made on the pay slip at the specified location, the entry being duplicated on the journal and record sheets at the appropriate registering locations. The carriage assembly is then moved to its second position determined by the detent 21. Such movement releases the link 13 from the cam 43, the latter being returned to its normal limit position (shown in FIG. 1)

by the action of the tension spring 49, the dogs 50 and 51 riding idly over the teeth of the ratchet 27. The second entry is now made at the specified location of the pay slip 6, this entry also being simultaneously duplicated on the journal and record sheets. The carriage plate is then moved to its third position determined by the detent 22, and a third entry is made and duplicated. The pay slip 6 and record sheet 24 are now removed from their respective carriers, and replaced by the next ,pay slip and record sheet. The carriage assembly is moved towards the left into its first position again, the link 13 again engaging and displacing the cam 43; the dogs 50 and 51 thus engage the ratchet 27 to advance the journal sheet carrier to its next successive position, the journal sheet thus being repositioned to receive the duplicates of a corresponding set of entries made upon the next pay slip.

What 1 claim as my invention is:

1. A manifolding or copying apparatus comprising:

a base member;

means providing a table surface supported by the base member;

a first carrier for supporting and locating a first data sheet on the table surface;

pivoted linkage means connected between the first carrier and the base member for defining a predetermined transverse path of movement of the first carrier, said linkage means comprising first and second parallel links pivotally connected at their respective ends to the base member and the first carrier;

means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions, including an initial position, along said path of movement of the first carrier;

a second carrier for supporting and locating a second data sheet on the table surface in registering relation with the first data sheet;

guide means on said basemember for defining a predetermined path of movement of the second carrier;

means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the second carrier along said path of movement of the second carrier;

ratchet means connected to the second carrier; and

ratchet actuating means engageable by said pivoted linkage means for advancing the second carrier stepwise between successive operative positions in accordance with return movement of the first carrier to its initial position,

said ratchet actuating means comprising a rotatable cam plate mounted on the base member and having first and second limit positions, spring means biasing the cam plate to the first limit position, a bar connected to the cam plate, the bar being constrained for reciprocating movement along its length in accordance with movements of the cam plate between its first and second limit positions, and dog means mounted on the bar, the dog means being engageable with the ratchet means for actuating said ratchet means, said first parallel link being engageable with the cam plate for displacing the cam plate from its first limit position to its second limit position, against the bias of said spring means, when the first carrier is moved to its first operative position.

2. A manifolding or copying apparatus according to claim 1, including a third carrier for supporting and locating a third data sheet upon the table surface in registering relation with the first and second data sheets; further guide means on the base member defining a predetermined path of movement of the third carrier; and means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the third carrier.

3. A manifolding or copying apparatus comprising:

a board-like base member;

a board member superimposed upon the base member and providing a table surface;

spacer means interposed between the base member and board member;

a first carrier for supporting and locating a first data sheet on the table surface;

a locating plate mounted on the base member, said locating plate being formed with first, second and third detents spaced along a circular arc;

a parallel linkage mechanism connected between the base member and the first carrier, said linkage mechanism being traversable across the locating plate and defining a predetermined transverse path of movement of the first carrier;

spring-loaded catch means mounted on the linkage mechanism, the catch means being successively engageable with the first, second and third detents to define first, second and third operative positions of the first carrier;

a second carrier for supporting and locating a second data sheet on the table surface in registering relation with the first sheet;

guide means on said base member defining a predetermined path of movement of the second carrier;

. detent meansdefining a plurality of discrete, equally spaced, operative positions of the second carrier along its path of movement;

ratchet means connected to the second carrier;

and

ratchet actuating means for advancing the second carrier stepwise between successive operative positions in accordance with return movements of the first carrier to its first operative position, said ratchet actuating means comprising:

i. a rotatable cam plate mounted on the base member, the cam plate being rotatable between first and second limit positions;

ii. spring means biasing the cam plate to the first limit position;

iii. a bar connected to the cam plate, the bar being constrained for reciprocating movement along its length in accordance with movement of the carh plate between its first and second limited positions; and

iv. dog means mounted on'the bar and engageable with said ratchet means,

the linkage mechanism being engageable with the cam plate for displacing the cam plate from its first limit position to its second limit position, against the bias of the spring means, when the first carrier is moved to its first operative position.

4. A manifolding or copying apparatus according to claim 3, including a third carrier for supporting and locating athird data sheet upon the table surface in registering relation with the first and second data sheets; further guide means on the base member defining a predetennined path of movement of the third carrier; and means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the third carrier. 

1. A manifolding or copying apparatus comprising: a base member; means providing a table surface supported by the base member; a first carrier for supporting and locating a first data sheet on the table surface; pivoted linkage means connected between the first carrier and the base member for defining a predetermined transverse path of movement of the first carrier, said linkage means comprising first and second parallel links pivotally connected at their respective ends to the base member and the first carrier; means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions, including an initial position, along said path of movement of the first carrier; a second carrier for supporting and locating a second data sheet on the table surface in registering relation with the first data sheet; guide means on said base member for defining a predetermined path of movement of the second carrier; means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the second carrier along said path of movement of the second carrier; ratchet means connected to the second carrier; and ratchet actuating means engageable by said pivoted linkage means for advancing the second carrier stepwise between successive operative positions in accordance with return movement of the first carrier to its initial position, said ratchet actuating means comprising a rotatable cam plate mounted on the base member and having first and second limit positions, spring means biasing the cam plate to the first limit position, a bar connected to the cam plate, the bar being constrained for reciprocating movement along its length in accordance with movements of the cam plate between its first and second limit positions, and dog means mounted on the bar, the dog means being engageable with the ratchet means for actuating said ratchet means, said first parallel link being engageable with the cam plate for displacing the cam plate from its first limit position to its second limit position, against the bias of said spring means, when the first carrier is moved to its first operative position.
 2. A manifolding or copying apparatus according to claim 1, including a third carrier for supporting and locating a third data sheet upon the table surface in registering relation with the first and second data sheets; further guide means on the base member defining a predetermined path of movement of the third carrier; and means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the third carrier.
 3. A manifolding or copying apparatus comprising: a board-like base member; a board member superimposed upon the base member and providing a table surface; spacer means interposed between the base member and board member; a first carrier for supporting and locating a first data sheet on the table surface; a locating plate mounted on the base member, said locating plate being formed with first, second and third detents spaced along a circular arc; a parallel linkage mechanism connected between the base member and the first carrier, said linkage mechanism being traversable across the locating plate and defining a predetermined transverse path of movement of the first carrier; spring-loaded catch means mounted on the linkage mechanism, the catch means being successively engageable with the first, second and third detents to define first, second and third operative positions of the first carrier; a second carrier for supporting and locating a second data sheet on the table surface in registering relation with the first sheet; guide means on said base member defining a predetermined path of movement of the second carrier; detent means defining a plurality of discrete, equally spaced, operative positions of the second carrier along its path of movement; Ratchet means connected to the second carrier; and ratchet actuating means for advancing the second carrier stepwise between successive operative positions in accordance with return movements of the first carrier to its first operative position, said ratchet actuating means comprising: i. a rotatable cam plate mounted on the base member, the cam plate being rotatable between first and second limit positions; ii. spring means biasing the cam plate to the first limit position; iii. a bar connected to the cam plate, the bar being constrained for reciprocating movement along its length in accordance with movement of the cam plate between its first and second limited positions; and iv. dog means mounted on the bar and engageable with said ratchet means, the linkage mechanism being engageable with the cam plate for displacing the cam plate from its first limit position to its second limit position, against the bias of the spring means, when the first carrier is moved to its first operative position.
 4. A manifolding or copying apparatus according to claim 3, including a third carrier for supporting and locating a third data sheet upon the table surface in registering relation with the first and second data sheets; further guide means on the base member defining a predetermined path of movement of the third carrier; and means defining a plurality of discrete operative positions of the third carrier. 